The chemistry of flight: RCDZ troops have started training drone operators
The Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Forces (RCDBZ) have begun training operators of copter-type drones, FPV drones, and teams to combat enemy UAVs. At specialized courses, personnel study theory, learn drone control, reconnaissance and fire correction. Experts note that UAVs are indispensable in monitoring radiation, chemical and biological risks, as well as reconnaissance of targets for heavy flamethrower systems, which are in service with the RCDZ troops.
Drones for RCDZ troops
Special training of UAV operators for the RCDZ troops takes place at ranges located both at permanent deployment points and in the rear areas of the Strategic Defense Forces. During the training, personnel familiarize themselves with the theory of use and the material part of drones, as well as receive training in control, reconnaissance and fire correction with the help of drones. Soldiers also receive training in engineering, military topography and tactical medicine. When developing the program, the experience gained during combat operations was used, sources in the Russian Defense Ministry told Izvestia.
In addition, the publication's interlocutors noted that the troops had prepared in advance a sufficient number of instructors capable of training personnel to operate various types of UAVs for the tasks of chemical and biological defense.
Heavy flamethrowers
There are flamethrower units within the RCDD troops, which are armed with heavy flamethrower systems (HFS) - they have proven themselves during the Strategic Defense Forces, military expert Viktor Litovkin told Izvestia.
- In order to shoot accurately and precisely, they must know the coordinates of targets," he noted. - In addition, modern combat conditions require the fastest possible reaction. So, TOCs must have good reconnaissance with drones. UAVs will have to find target coordinates and transmit them to the computing center, where they will turn into setting data for firing.
Also, the CBRN troops have to watch where the enemy is going to use chemical weapons.
- Ukraine has repeatedly noticed that its army is trying to do this," the expert said. - We have reported such incidents. We also need a reconnaissance of the territory for the presence of radiation, chemical substances, some biological components.
The expert recalled that almost 30 American biolaboratories were working in Ukraine.
- They could have already laid down their defeat ingredients, and, of course, a drone with analyzing equipment can fly and collect reconnaissance and analytical information," he said.
Drones can act as a means of defeat, Oleg Zheltonozhko, an expert in the field of RCD defense, told Izvestia.
- FPV drones have proven themselves as a strike means during the Strategic Defense Forces," he said. - RCDD troops have volumetric detonating munitions in their armament, and they can be suspended on appropriate drones. Grenades and mines have been suspended for a long time, and the use of RPA containers (reactive infantry flamethrower. - Ed.) is just asking for it, given the particular effectiveness of this means of defeat.
The expert also believes that UAVs can take on defensive functions.
- In particular, drones can be equipped with REB," he said. - In addition, they can perform fighter functions. There have been numerous examples when small arms suspended on a drone shot down UAVs. Also, drones can ram AFU drones. Examples of such use have also been encountered. Now there is an active expansion of means of application, development of technical requirements for them and tactics of application. We are very likely to see other examples of the use of UAVs in the course of combat operations. For this reason, it is necessary to actively work with them now, to find out their capabilities.
Viktor Litovkin noted that the RCTBZ troops will also need groups to combat UAVs.
- We can't do without them now," he said. They must cover rear columns, command posts, and the actions of the TOCs on the front line. We can't do without them.
Flamethrowers on drones
RCDZ troops are now actively working on expanding the combat functionality of drones and improving the flamethrower and incendiary weapons. In particular, a new RPO-2 reactive infantry flamethrower is being developed.
Elements of this complex can be placed on drones. It will be especially in demand when preparing and storming fortified positions, especially in urban neighborhoods or industrial plants.
The Russian Army is currently armed with Shmel reactive infantry flamethrowers (RIF). They allow firing thermobaric ammunition with aerosolized flammable substance at a range of up to 1,700 meters. "Bumblebee" is used to defeat infantry, pillboxes and lightly armored vehicles. When the RPO ammunition explodes, the mixture is atomized and then detonated - the high-temperature pulse created is accompanied by a sharp pressure drop. Such impact allows to effectively destroy the enemy's manpower in dugouts and other shelters. The flamethrower is not inferior to 152-mm artillery shells in terms of its impact on the main types of targets.
